USL Pro News: The league officially recognized on Monday the season's statistical award winners. Orlando City players nearly earned all four awards with Dennis Chin winning the double, capturing the scoring championship (24) and goal scoring title (11). Teammate Miguel Gallardo finished as the league's top netminder in goals-against average (0.780), beating out two others that finished under the goal-per-game mark. Orlando's Kevin Molino nearly captured the Assist Leader award, but was edged out by JC Banks of the Rochester Rhinos (8) for the honor.. The league unveiled Tuesday the final Team of the Week honors for the regular season, selecting Harrisburg City Islanders netminder Nick Noble as the Player of the Week.

PDL News: United Soccer Leagues announced Southwest Florida SC as an expansion club for 2013. The club, which announced its general manager and coaching staff, is holding a nickname vote, giving fans the choice of Adrenaline, Dynamite or Thunder.

Monday, August 20

Clutch wins and missed opportunities highlighted a dramatic final night in the USL Pro regular season as the Charlotte Eagles failed to take advantage of prime position to clinch a playoff berth and the Richmond Kickers were unable to claim the second-place berth direct to the semifinals, leaving Rochester in second.

Meanwhile, Wilmington jumped over Charlotte in the table with a win over their state rivals after a loss the night before in their two-game series, and the Harrisburg City Islanders picked up a crucial win on the other side of the country to slip by the Eagles for the final playoff berth.

Sunday, August 19

In USL Pro action Saturday, only two goals were scored in three matches with playoff implications. Charleston's scoreless draw cost them a shot at the second-place bye to the semifinals while Rochester's lone tally put the pressure on Richmond to win tomorrow in order to claim the second spot with their late-season surge (6-0-1). Charlotte's lone strike against state rival Wilmington put them in control of grabbing the final playoff berth in the second-half of the series Sunday as they now sit fifth with Wilmington and Harrisburg two points back.

The Eagles merely need a draw Sunday to clinch a berth while Wilmington needs to at the very least match what Harrisburg earns at eliminated LA, whom they tied 2-2 Friday.

Quick Thoughts

Welcome

Soccer in North America

A blog dedicated to football in the US, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and beyond from top to bottom. Everything from the World Cup, CONCACAF Champions League and MLS to the minor leagues and youth development.

About Me

Currently a writer and co-manager of TheCup.us, I also serve as communications officer for the NASR. Previously a long-time soccer administrator, I began working with the Spokane Shadow in the USL Premier Development League from 1997-99, watching and working with players like Brian Ching and Craig Waibel. I then joined United Soccer Leagues and worked in the communications department through mid-2010.